Julie Anne's Personal Stories

Personal Update

Julie Anne

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snowI’m sure you have noticed the sporadic blog posts these past few weeks.

After taking off last term to recovery from a hysterectomy, I have gone back to school with a full load this term. I’m still not at 100% and require more sleep/rest than normal. All of the women who told me that this recovery takes up to a year are absolutely right. Whew! I just spoke to my advisor and we mapped out my classes. It looks like I should be able to graduate Spring 2018 with my Bachelors if all goes as planned.

I am trying to juggle a lot of things (mom, blog, school). I continue to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work on the blog. I still have the final post in the series on Tullian Tchividjian to post. Last week, I finally received a statement from a source that I had been waiting for, so that post should be coming soon.

Trying to balance all of the above is a challenge and I’ve needed take my own advice when it comes to self-care. Carrying so many abuse stories in my heart is taxing, so sometimes I just need to take a breather. This is important so I can be a better advocate, a better mother, a better student. I’ve had to mentally give myself the freedom to not write a post if I need to do self-care.

I have no plans on stopping here. There is a consistent cycle of wives of pedophiles who find the old 2013 blog post and ask for help. That has been a unique ministry here as Anon3 and Brenda support these precious ladies.

Although right now I cannot do the in-depth stories that require a lot of research as I used to do, there is obviously a need here, as I keep getting more personal stories. Personal stories are such a powerful way for readers to connect with their own abuse. They also help survivors to validate themselves as they own their stories and use their voice in a powerful way. Personal stories will continue.

I have to think simply when it comes to the next year or so. My upper-level classes are more challenging in my field of study, so I have to allow for that, as well as a possible internship which is highly recommended.

I think I will try to at least post an open blog post each week. This will help give a dedicated space for those who wish to connect, share articles, share if they are going through a difficult time, get connected and support/encouragement. I’m grateful to Kathi who has continued to post the Sunday posts. She has been such a help to me.

I’m so thankful for all of you who have continued to be part of this SSB family, providing support to others, sharing your stories. You’ve all been such an encouragement to me.

~Julie Anne

19 thoughts on “Personal Update”

  1. By way of encouragement, I was almost completely waylaid by a shoulder injury last year. It felt like I had been almost wholly ineffective for the entire year, but looking back I can see an array of powerful truths God sowed into me – revelations I fear I would not have been able to receive if I had been doing what I thought I should have been doing.

    I pray this season reminds you of how much you are valued and loved even when you are at rest! You are right where you are meant to be.

    All the best,

    Cindy

    Liked by 3 people

  2. Prayers are with you, Julie Anne, and so is our wonderful God. This super site ain’t goin’ anywhere soon. There are too many of us who’ll keep the place afloat. (Headless Unicorn Guy, Amos, and Salty have enough in them to fill volumes of good stuff.)

    Take it easy, won’t you? Kathi is great.

    Blessings, dear Julie Anne. It will all work out just fine.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. “I pray this season reminds you of how much you are valued and loved even when you are at rest! You are right where you are meant to be.”

    Well said, cindy!

    And, Boston Lady–what love and grace.

    Do what you need to do, Julie. People totally understand. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Best wishes on your course of study!! Perhaps you have shared before and I missed it–what is that field? Thank you for carrying so much responsibility and may God refresh you at each step!!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Take care of yourself and your kids first. College Bachelor’s ……. uh huh. Just wait until you have to take the certification exams! Uhhhhhggggglllleeeeee!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. You manage to do so much! I know you don’t need me or anyone else to tell you this, but we’ll affirm that you need to take breaks when you need to.

    As for me, I’ll continue Sundays regularly. I still have at least three book posts to get done – one is almost there. I always feel like I wish I could do more to help, but working full-time and running a kid around to sports and appointments takes up most of my time. And, the volunteer job with the police department just started back up, so there are more hours in the month to add on. I’m not complaining…I love it all! But, unfortunately sometimes the mental power to put together writing isn’t always there.

    That all being said, I’m here for you and everyone else who needs a listening ear!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. So glad you’ve updated us on your present circumstances. Joining others in expressing our appreciation for your work and praying you will continue to heal as you serve where the Lord has you. ((hugs))

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Julie Anne: May you always sense our Lord’s presence in all that you do. I’ve learned much about spiritual abuse from your blog and am thankful that you have been a support for many victims who have suffered. Much success to you in your college and career endeavors. God speed!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Sounds like a workable plan, given the immense number of responsibilities you have! But every research piece, every personal narrative, every devotional/worship post … each continues to build an environment that adds to the encouragement, healing, and hope. Thanks for all you do, Julie Anne — and isn’t it nearly unbelievable to realize that you’ve been at this for five years now? Wowzers …

    Like

  16. I’m praying that God gives you a perfect and speedy recovery, JA. Thanks for all you do. It is much appreciated.

    Like

  17. As you know, your blog was a huge part in my getting out of hell card! I look back & marvel at how scared I was to say a word against gawd’s anointed, and I recall how I was wracked with guilt for not attending church. Now I am free, a DONE, life is my cathedral and the Holy Spirit brings surprise after surprise in the people I meet outside of bricks & mortar.
    So many voices here have on SSB have helped me find my way. All that to say, you are loved & appreciated for helping set this captive free. Glad you are taking care of yourself, you are in my thoughts & prayers.
    Love, Gail

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Julie Anne: Thank you for sharing this whole endeavor and “Carrying so many abuse stories in my heart is taxing”=that’s why didn’t want to get on some sites it can be heavy/weary”.
    Cindy says it well: “I pray this season reminds you of how much you are valued and loved even when you are at rest! You are right where you are meant to be”. Well written. When in those seasons (as now, myself included); just resting and putting on my favorite praise and worship and rest which is hard to do. Yep, Boston Lady. Miss Daisy’s/Brenda’s and feedback also. GM370 well said, 1st line priceless=what a gem! Wish we could all meet!

    Liked by 2 people

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